Ensuring Education Is A Right, Not A Privilege – Education Empowerment Initiative (EEI).
As the Education Empowerment Initiative, our ultimate goal is to see a society where education is a right, not a privilege, and every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. In Kilifi County, like many rural areas in Kenya, the journey to achieve this vision is fraught with challenges.
Kilifi County faces significant educational hurdles, primarily due to its high rate of absolute poverty, which stands at 71.7%. Many students dropout of school because they cannot afford school fees, often leading them to either get married off early or seek casual jobs to support themselves and their families. In large families, siblings often sacrifice their education to help raise younger children, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. A baseline survey of 1,755 students revealed that only 381 were fully maintained in schools for a term, while the rest were frequently sent home for school fees.
Recognizing these challenges, the Education Empowerment Initiative (EEI) was born. Our journey is fueled by a strong belief in the transformative power of education. We envision breaking the cycle of generational poverty and creating lasting change in our communities. With this vision, we provide academically gifted yet disadvantaged secondary school students with the tools they need to build a brighter future. These tools include financial, mental, and social support.
So far, our initiative has positively impacted the lives of 14 students from 8 schools. in Kilifi County. These students, who once faced insurmountable barriers to their education, now have a chance to pursue their dreams and secure a brighter future. Among these beneficiaries is Peninnah, a Form 3 student at Ngerenya Secondary School.
As the 8th of 11 children, Peninnah faced immense financial hardships that forced her to miss classes and eventually drop out of a high-performing school in Kilifi County. Despite her academic potential, her grades slipped from an A to a B+ and then to a B due to inconsistent attendance. Her parents transferred her to a local school that they could afford, but the situation did not improve. Often, Peninnah stayed home for weeks at a time due to a lack of school fees, struggling to study on her own while her peers continued their education uninterrupted.
Peninnah joined our program on February 6th, 2024 where we have been supporting her education by paying for her school fees. Since then, we are happy to share that she has not missed a single day of school. Her self-belief and determination have flourished, exemplifying the transformative impact of consistent educational support.
“I aspire to become a nurse to help others, reduce suffering, and secure a stable job to support my family,” Peninnah says. Her teacher, Mrs. Celina, praises Peninnah’s discipline and determination, noting that she consistently achieves the top position in her class and serves as a role model for her peers. Peninnah was even elected as the prefect of environment, health, and sanitation by her fellow students, highlighting her leadership qualities.
It is people like Peninnah, who push us and encourage us to keep going everyday. It is because of her that we remain committed to our mission because we see the difference it makes. The smiles on our students’ faces, their academic achievements, and their evolving dreams fuel our dedication. We envision a different Kilifi—a place where education unlocks potential, and no child’s background limits their future.
However, our journey is not without challenges. Securing consistent funding is a significant hurdle. As we aim to expand our reach, sponsor more students, and create a ripple effect of positive change, we call upon every individual within and outside the county to direct any resources towards investing in the education of needy children.
To achieve this vision, we need collective effort. We are constantly looking for individuals, organizations, and governments to join us in this noble cause. Your support can help more students like Peninnah stay in school, achieve their dreams, and transform their communities.
By investing in education, we invest in the future of Kilifi County and beyond. Let us work together to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education.
The transformative power of education cannot be overstated. It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a society where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Through the Education Empowerment Initiative, we are committed to leaving no one behind, but we cannot do it alone. Your support is crucial in making education a right, not a privilege, for every child. For more information, please visit our website and learn more about our work.